Chuck Has Prognosticated

The latest incarnation of Staten Island Chuck emerged from his tree stump this morning and did not see his shadow:

Staten Island Chuck, a groundhog with a purpose, crawled out of his cozy tree stump at the Staten Island Zoo this morning and what he saw — or rather didn’t see — means an early spring is in our future.

No shadow, no long winter. The formula is simple.

But after this season’s record-breaking warmth that saw the mercury hit 72 degrees on Jan. 6, Chuck’s prediction this morning before a delighted crowd of kids and their parents — and some high-ranking public figures to make it official — was a no-brainer.

More than 200 children, parents and dignitaries stood under the pavilion at the Staten Island Zoo this morning to watch 10-month-old Charles G. Hogg VII make his first appearance on the big stage.

. . .

Standing beside tuxedo-clad Advance Editor Brian J. Laline, who presided over the ceremony, Councilman Michael McMahon made the announcement as the morning’s first sign of snow flurries began to fall.

“I got it, I got it, Chuck has prognosticated,” McMahon proclaimed. “No shadow — spring is coming.”
. . .

Punxsutawney Phil, Chuck’s chief rival, also did not see his shadow and predicted an early spring.